**Official** Pakistan and Sri Lanka in UAE

[Outswinger@Pace]

Azhar Ali is getting there. Just 5 runs away from the magical 90 run mark.

Come to think of it, the difference between 90 and 91 is just one run. That's what Azhar should be telling himself.

 

[Howe_zat]

And taking advantage of the poor ones (like that one) is very important.

Even defensive batting can be positive and as a new ball bowler, that is the most demoralising. When they are prepared to defend/leave all the good ones and stroke away the slightly off-line/off-length balls.

Yeah, especially irks me that people tend to think the scoring rate has nothing to do with the bowling side. Loose bowling to set batsmen means runs.

 

[Outswinger@Pace]

Yeah, especially irks me that people tend to think the scoring rate has nothing to do with the bowling side. Loose bowling to set batsmen means runs.

Yeah, their batting's been fine in this match as Salman summed up a few posts back. Percentage stuff!

There was some negativity in the last test esp. from Toffee and Azhar. Patting back 125 kph half-volleys delivered well outside off with the utmost respect is simply not done!

 

[Outswinger@Pace]

Anyone seeen Dhammika in tests/fc matches before? Not much of a new ball operator, is he? Was quite good when it reversed.

 

[smash84]

azhar on 90. Can he reach 3 figures?

 

[centurymaker]

Yeah, especially irks me that people tend to think the scoring rate has nothing to do with the bowling side. Loose bowling to set batsmen means runs.

yeah, it's actually the bowlers who have a greater impact on the scoing rate.
as a batsman in test cricket, all you do is wait for bad balls and if there are very few of those then naturally the scoring rate will be lower than usual.

 

[Outswinger@Pace]

Lakmal's turning the screws here. Has bowled well throughout the day. This performance ought to be rewarded with a few wickets.

 

[smash84]

azhar ali on 97. Nerves........

 

[Spark]

Played, son.

 

[Outswinger@Pace]

azhar ali on 97. Nerves........

Finally, the monkey's off his back!

Top player this lad, IMHO and always a joy to watch.

 

[Faisal1985]

Great effort by Azhar...a very good long term find for Pak middle order.

 

[nsniks]

Well played Azhar, now carry on and make this a big one

 

[Z-Man]

What a poor shot, was expected.

 

[Faisal1985]

gone

 

[Howe_zat]

Shame. Well played.

 

[Spark]

poor bloke. good thing he got his hundred first.

 

[Jayzamann]

poor bloke. good thing he got his hundred first.

Yeah that would be an unfortunate cherry on top if he missed out again.

 

[Xuhaib]

haha...seems like Azhar got a shocker

 

[DriveClub]

Umpiring has been very poor this series, especially Tony Hill.

 

[Xuhaib]

just seen the dismissal shocking decision but the intended stroke was appalling from Ali, was calling for it.